Baileys Irish Cream Chocolate Chip Cookies

Introduction: The Boozy Cookie Everyone Will Beg For

If you’re a fan of classic chocolate chip cookies and you love the smooth, creamy flavor of Baileys Irish Cream, then get ready to fall in love with this next-level cookie recipe. These Baileys Irish Cream Chocolate Chip Cookies are not your average bake-sale treat — they’re soft, rich, buttery, and infused with just enough Irish cream liqueur to make them unforgettable.

Whether you’re whipping up a cozy batch for the holidays, hosting a grown-up dessert night, or just craving something indulgent and unique, this recipe is here to impress. The combination of brown sugar, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and Baileys creates a deep caramel-like sweetness and luxurious texture that takes your cookie game from basic to bougie.

In this in-depth guide, you’ll not only get the exact step-by-step recipe but also pro tips, variations, storage secrets, and answers to every cookie-related question you didn’t know you had. If you’re after the ultimate Baileys Irish Cream Chocolate Chip Cookies, you’ve landed in the right place.

Let’s dive into baking bliss.

Why You’ll Love These Baileys Irish Cream Chocolate Chip Cookies

There are hundreds of chocolate chip cookie recipes online, but these stand out — and here’s why:

• Infused with real Baileys Irish Cream for a soft boozy kick that adds depth and elegance.
• Soft, chewy centers with crispy edges — just the way a perfect cookie should be.
• Rich chocolate flavor from semi-sweet or dark chips that balances the sweetness.
• No need for fancy tools — just bowls, a spoon, and an oven.
• Optional flaky sea salt topping adds a gourmet touch and balances flavors beautifully.
• They’re the perfect adult treat for parties, potlucks, or holiday cookie exchanges.

Whether you’re a baking pro or a total beginner, you can nail this recipe on the first try. Ready to get started?

Ingredients Breakdown (And Why Each One Matters)

Here’s what goes into making the most irresistible Baileys Irish Cream Chocolate Chip Cookies — and why each ingredient plays a crucial role in flavor and texture:

Wet Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  Softened butter is key for creaming with the sugars. It creates a light, fluffy base and a chewy texture.
• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
  Brown sugar adds moisture and gives that rich caramel-like taste, enhancing the cookie’s softness.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
  A touch of white sugar provides structure and the perfect amount of crisp on the edges.
• 1 large egg
  The egg binds everything together while adding richness and moisture.
• ¼ cup Baileys Irish Cream
  The star of the show! Baileys adds flavor, moisture, and a luxurious creamy finish to every bite.
• 1½ tsp pure vanilla extract
  Vanilla balances the boozy Baileys and highlights the chocolate chips.

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
  This is the backbone of the cookie — enough to hold everything together without making them dry.
• ½ tsp baking soda & ½ tsp baking powder
  This combo gives the perfect lift and chew.
• ½ tsp salt
  Don’t skip the salt. It brings out all the other flavors and keeps the cookie from being overly sweet.
• 1½ cups semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
  You need these to cut through the sweetness and make each bite rich and chocolatey.
• Optional: flaky sea salt for topping
  A fancy final touch. Adds a pop of flavor and makes your cookies look bakery-quality.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer (or stand mixer) to beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes, and the mixture should look light and fluffy. This step incorporates air and ensures your cookies bake up soft and tender.

Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients

Crack in the egg and pour in the Baileys Irish Cream and vanilla extract. Mix everything until it’s fully combined. The dough may look slightly thinner or silkier than your typical cookie dough — that’s okay! The Baileys adds extra moisture and richness.

Step 3: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution before mixing with the wet ingredients.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix. Overworking the dough can lead to tough cookies, and nobody wants that.

Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips. You can use a spatula or wooden spoon. Make sure the chips are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 6: Chill the Dough (Optional, But Recommended)

If you want thicker, bakery-style cookies, cover the bowl and chill the dough for 30 to 60 minutes in the refrigerator. This helps control spread and intensifies the flavor.

Step 7: Preheat and Scoop

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.

Scoop out about 1.5 tablespoons of dough per cookie and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes. The edges should be golden, while the centers remain slightly soft — they’ll firm up as they cool.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

If desired, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt over each warm cookie for that sweet-salty combo.

Tips for Success

To make your Baileys Irish Cream Chocolate Chip Cookies absolutely flawless, follow these pro tips:

• Use room temperature butter: Softened, not melted, gives the perfect texture.
• Don’t skip chilling the dough: It prevents spreading and boosts flavor.
• Slight underbaking is your friend: The cookies will finish baking on the hot tray.
• Adjust Baileys to taste: You can use up to ⅓ cup, but don’t go overboard or your dough may be too soft.
• Make them extra chocolatey: Mix in chunks, chopped chocolate, or swirl in chocolate ganache.

Variations You’ll Want to Try

Love the original but want to spice things up? Try these irresistible variations:

1. Baileys Mocha Cookies

Add 1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder to the dough. The coffee flavor deepens the chocolate and complements the Irish cream perfectly.

2. Baileys White Chocolate Chip Cookies

Substitute dark chocolate with white chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier bite.

3. Nutty Baileys Cookies

Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture and crunch.

4. Double Chocolate Baileys Cookies

Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to the flour mixture for a rich, brownie-like cookie.

5. Salted Caramel Baileys Cookies

Drizzle baked cookies with caramel sauce and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a gooey, decadent finish.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve With Baileys Cookies

These cookies are a dessert on their own, but if you’re looking to create the ultimate experience, pair them with:

• A glass of Baileys over ice for the grown-ups
• Milk or oat milk for a classic cookie-and-milk combo
• Baileys coffee or hot cocoa for cozy winter evenings
• Vanilla ice cream for a boozy cookie sundae

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

How to Store Leftover Cookies

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4–5 days. They’ll stay soft and chewy.

Can You Freeze Them? Absolutely!

• To freeze the dough: Scoop into balls and freeze on a tray. Transfer to a zip-top bag and store for up to 3 months.
• To freeze baked cookies: Cool completely, then wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.

Let frozen dough sit at room temp while the oven preheats, and add 1–2 extra minutes to bake time.

FAQs About Baileys Irish Cream Chocolate Chip Cookies

Can I make these cookies without alcohol?

Yes! Substitute the Baileys with heavy cream or Irish cream-flavored coffee creamer for a non-alcoholic version.

Will the alcohol bake out?

Yes — most of the alcohol content will evaporate during baking, especially at high heat. You’re left with the flavor, not the buzz.

Can I use homemade Irish cream?

Definitely! Homemade Baileys or any Irish cream liqueur works beautifully.

Why chill the dough?

Chilling the dough prevents spreading, enhances flavor, and improves texture. It’s optional but worth it.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe scales easily. Just make sure your mixing bowl is big enough.

What kind of chocolate works best?

Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips are best, but you can mix in chopped bars, mini chips, or even chocolate chunks for more variety.

Conclusion: The Cookie That Breaks All the Rules (In the Best Way)

If you’re looking for a cookie that’s anything but ordinary, these Baileys Irish Cream Chocolate Chip Cookies are a must-bake. They’re rich, soft, decadent, and just a little bit boozy — perfect for adults who love a classic treat with a grown-up twist.

With their melt-in-your-mouth texture, hints of creamy liqueur, and bursts of chocolate in every bite, these cookies are destined to become your go-to recipe for special occasions… or whenever the craving hits.

So preheat your oven, pour a splash of Baileys into the batter (and maybe your glass), and bake a batch of cookies that everyone will remember.

Print